• Understand the fundamental concepts of hydroponics and aquaponics.
• Learn about the different types of hydroponic and aquaponic systems.
• Develop skills in designing, building, and maintaining hydroponic and aquaponic setups.
• Gain knowledge of plant and fish biology and their interactions in aquaponic systems.
• Explore the benefits and challenges of sustainable agriculture practices.

• Introduction to Soilless Agriculture
  • Overview of hydroponics and aquaponics
  • History and evolution of soilless growing systems
  • Benefits and applications of hydroponics and aquaponics

• Basic Plant Biology

• • Understanding plant physiology and growth requirements
  • Nutrient uptake and transport in plants
  • Factors affecting plant growth: light, temperature, humidity, and CO2

• Hydroponic Systems and Techniques

• • Types of hydroponic systems: nutrient film technique (NFT), deep water culture (DWC), aeroponics, drip systems, and ebb and flow
  • Designing and setting up a hydroponic system
  • Nutrient solutions and their management

• Aquaponic Systems and Techniques

• • Introduction to aquaponics: combining aquaculture and hydroponics
  • Types of aquaponic systems: media-based, nutrient film technique (NFT), and deep water culture (DWC)
  • Designing and setting up an aquaponic system
  • Managing water quality and nutrient cycling

• Fish Biology and Aquaculture

• • Basics of fish physiology and health
  • Selecting fish species for aquaponic systems
  • Feeding, breeding, and maintaining fish in aquaponic systems

• System Maintenance and Troubleshooting

• • Monitoring and maintaining system health
  • Identifying and addressing common issues in hydroponic and aquaponic systems
  • Best practices for system hygiene and pest control

• Sustainability and Environmental Impact

• • Sustainable agriculture practices and their benefits
  • Reducing environmental impact through hydroponics and aquaponics
  • Case studies and examples of successful sustainable systems

• Project-Based Learning and Practical Applications

• • Hands-on projects designing and building hydroponic and aquaponic systems
  • Growing and harvesting crops in soilless systems
  • Documenting and presenting project outcomes

The course will focus on providing students with practical skills in designing, building, and maintaining hydroponic and aquaponic systems. Special emphasis will be placed on understanding the biological and environmental principles that underpin these sustainable growing methods.

• Quizzes and exams to test theoretical knowledge
• Practical assessments on system design and maintenance
• Group projects building and managing hydroponic and aquaponic systems
• Final project involving a comprehensive system design and implementation plan

• Basic understanding of biology and environmental science
• Interest in sustainable agriculture and innovative growing techniques